What defines archaeologists as professionals? What value does
archaeology have for and in the modern world? What are archaeological
ethics and why do we need them? What are the differences (and
sometimes, conflicts) between archaeological ethics and pertinent
laws? What are archaeologists' responsibilities to the remnants of the
past? To native and local peoples ancient and modern? To the citizens
and governments of host countries? To the natural and cultural
environment? To each other? What, in short, are their obligations to
the cultural heritage of the world and how can they appropriately
discharge them? Where do non-professionals-members of the interested
public-fit into the picture?
We will address these and related questions guided by a text Issues in
Archaeological Ethics, edited by Larry Zimmerman, K. D. Vitelli, and
Julie Hollowell-Zimmer (Altamira Press, 2003) that will take us into
the increasingly complex and compelling aspects of the subject. This
course is critical for anthropology majors with an interest in
archaeology or bioanthropology, history buffs, art historians,
prospective lawyers, and businesspeople. Non-archaeologists are most
welcome and have much to contribute.
Evaluation is based on class participation (so regular attendance is a
must), a short research paper in the first half of the term, and a
final group project.